2018Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2018-08-06UTC09:44:58+00:002018-08-04Angels abound as Rachel Podger joins with VOCES8 for a collaborative exploration built around music from her Guardian Angel album.Guardian Angel: Rachel Podger and VOCES8en_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-rachel-podger-voces8-milton-abbey-dorset-august-2018Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngJane Shuttleworthhttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/2331https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/2331https://bachtrack.com/files/40598-jane-bachtrack.jpgJane Shuttleworth is a choral singer and recorder player, and specialises in Renaissance, baroque and modern music. She lives in Durham and runs a local music listings, news and reviews site Music in Durhamhttps://bachtrack.com/files/88004-2018-02-rp-photo-colour-330--theresa-pewal--1-.jpg510340Rachel PodgerTheresa Pewal2018-Aug-03, Milton Abbey: VOCES8 with Rachel Podgerhttps://bachtrack.com/concert-listing/milton-abbey/voces8-with-rachel-podger/03-august-2018/19-302018-08-032018-08-03Milton AbbeyBlandford ForumSouth-WestUnited KingdomDT11 0BZ50.819818262156545-2.2879564762115484

2018Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2018-07-17UTC08:38:29+00:002018-07-17With a smaller programme and a humbler premise, the stars of the show – those young, immensely talented performers – could have shone even brighterProm 3: An inflated Prom to celebrate BBC Young Musiciansen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-prom-3-bbc-young-musician-london-july-2018Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngOlivia Bellhttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/22437https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/22437https://bachtrack.com/files/44125-olivia-bell.jpgOlivia has recently graduated as Senior choral Scholar from Queens'
College, Cambridge, where she read English and became Culture Editor at
the Tab. A freelance soprano, she currently works as a content editor at
the Telegraph.https://bachtrack.com/files/87117-prom-3-cr-bbc-chris-christodoulou-2-resized.jpg510340Colin Currie, Owen Gunnell, Adrian Spillett and Sam WaltonBBC | Chris Christodoulou2018-Jul-15, Royal Albert Hall: Prom 3: BBC Young Musician 40th Anniversaryhttps://bachtrack.com/concert-listing/royal-albert-hall/prom-3-bbc-young-musician-40th-anniversary/15-july-2018/19-002018-07-152018-07-15Royal Albert HallLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomSW7 2APKensington Gore51.5014299260821-0.17751932144165https://bachtrack.com/files/78814-artwork-for-events--1-.jpg3

2018Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2018-03-26UTC09:37:20+00:002018-03-24What is the link between Bernstein’s criticism of American consumerism and MacMillan's biblical tale?Trouble in Tahiti and Clemency make an intriguing Dutch National double billen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-trouble-tahiti-clemency-bernstein-macmillan-dutch-national-opera-march-2018Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngNicolas Nguyenhttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/6267https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/6267https://bachtrack.com/files/40592-nicolas-nguyen.jpgNicolas is a French Amsterdammer, e-commerce professional and a bit of an opera buff. His experience in the area of music is that of a dilettante. His passion for the opera and vocal music comes from his love for both music and languages which are so perfectly combined in these art forms.https://bachtrack.com/files/79479-trouble-in-tahiti-clemency-c-hans-van-den-bogaard--1--resized.jpg510340Sebastià Peris i Marco (Sam) and Turiya Haudenhuyse (Dinah)Hans van den Bogaard2018-Mar-22, Theater De Meervaart: Trouble in Tahiti/ Clemencyhttps://bachtrack.com/opera-listing/theater-de-meervaart/trouble-in-tahiti-clemency/22-march-2018/20-002018-03-222018-03-25Theater De MeervaartAmsterdamNorth HollandNetherlands1068 LEMeer en Vaart 30052.3584501958094.807575345039368https://bachtrack.com/files/53464-trouble-in-tahiti-240x240.jpg3

2018Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2018-03-05UTC10:43:06+00:002018-03-05Royal Northern Sinfonia’s performance of Sir James Macmillan’s St Luke Passion had moments of high drama, but one crucial element of the piece was mostly missing. Macmillan’s St Luke Passion at Sage Gateshead disappointsen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-macmillan-luke-passion-brunt-royal-northern-sinfonia-sage-gateshead-march-2018Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngJane Shuttleworthhttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/2331https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/2331https://bachtrack.com/files/40598-jane-bachtrack.jpgJane Shuttleworth is a choral singer and recorder player, and specialises in Renaissance, baroque and modern music. She lives in Durham and runs a local music listings, news and reviews site Music in Durhamhttps://bachtrack.com/files/77789-royal-northern-sinfonia-2008-credit-mark-savage-resized.jpg510340Royal Northern SinfoniaMark Savage2018-Mar-03, Sage One: St Luke Passionhttps://bachtrack.com/concert-listing/sage-one/st-luke-passion/03-march-2018/19-302018-03-032018-03-03Sage Gateshead: Sage OneGatesheadNorth-EastUnited KingdomNE8 2JRSt Mary's Square,Gateshead Quays54.967760876632-1.6019439697265625https://bachtrack.com/files/66612-1211.jpg2

2018Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2018-01-15UTC11:53:27+00:002018-01-12The Philadelphia Orchestra's Winter Festival celebrates the British Isles. Scotch Beasts and other forms of Britishness in Philadelphia's Winter Festivalen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-macmillan-britten-nezet-seguin-philadelphia-january-2018Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngHilary Strohhttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/17629https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/17629https://bachtrack.com/files/289-hilary_larkin.jpgHilary is an independent scholar and academic historian, based in DC. She has a background in violin, piano and ballet. Educated at Dublin and Cambridge, she has recently published her first two books. https://bachtrack.com/files/74313-yannick-nezet-seguin-c-hans-van-der-woerd-resized.jpg510340Yannick Nézet-SéguinHans van der Woerd2018-Jan-11, Kimmel Center: Verizon Hall: Wk 1: MacMillan and Handelhttps://bachtrack.com/concert-listing/kimmel-center-verizon-hall/wk-1-macmillan-and-handel/11-january-2018/19-302018-01-112018-01-13Kimmel Center: Verizon HallPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUnited StatesPA 1910239.946715-75.165819https://bachtrack.com/files/66774-philadelphia-orchestra-logo.jpg4

2017Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2017-12-11UTC13:31:27+00:002017-12-11The Scottish Ensemble is joined by I Fagiolini in a Winter Chorale linking ancient and modern music for Advent and Christmas. Ancient and Modern: a beautiful Winter Chorale from The Scottish Ensemble and I Fagiolinien_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-winter-chorale-fagiolini-scottish-ensemble-perth-december-2017Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngDavid Smythehttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/994https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/994https://bachtrack.com/files/40601-david-smythe.jpgDavid the farmer was drawn into music through choirs, orchestras, taking part in and directing 'serious' opera as a student. Passionate about live classical music, particularly chamber opera, unusual pieces and events and giving the next generation the tools to engage with the classical world.https://bachtrack.com/files/72857-scottish-ensemble-stjohnskirk1099.jpg510340Scottish Ensemble at St John's KirkScottish Ensemble (2015)2017-Dec-09, St John's Kirk: A Winter Choralehttps://bachtrack.com/concert-listing/st-johns-kirk/a-winter-chorale/09-december-2017/19-302017-12-092017-12-09St John's KirkPerthScotlandUnited KingdomPH1 5SH56.3961513513217-3.427798748016364

2017Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2017-09-08UTC11:33:52+00:002017-09-08Following some rhythmically challenged Ginastera, Horia Andreescu and the Russian National Orchestra impress with confidently played MacMillan and Tchaikovsky.RNO and Andreescu impress with MacMillan and Tchaikovsky at Enescu Festivalen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-repin-andreescu-russian-national-orchestra-enescu-festival-september-2017Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngAksel Tollålihttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/1284https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/1284https://bachtrack.com/files/148-aksel.jpgAksel is currently studying towards a degree in musicology at the University of Oslo. At the moment he is an exchange student at Goldsmiths College in London. He is also a choral singer and a trombonist. His musical interests include 20th-cenury French music, Baroque opera and the music of Richard Strauss.https://bachtrack.com/files/67111-5-septembrie-russian-national-orchestra-repin-andreescu07---foto-catalina-filip-resized.jpg510340Vadim RepinCătălina Filip2017-Sep-05, Palace Hall (Sala Palatului): Russian National Orchestra and Andreescu play MacMillan and Tchaikovskyhttps://bachtrack.com/concert-listing/palace-hall-sala-palatului/russian-national-orchestra-and-andreescu-play-macmillan-and-tchaikovsky/05-september-2017/20-002017-09-052017-09-05Palace Hall (Sala Palatului)BucharestBucuresti-IlfovRomania44.43914426.0949783

2017Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2017-08-02UTC08:58:12+00:002017-08-01An underwhelming performance that fell prey to poor interpretive judgements. Prom 21: An underwhelming performance of MacMillan and Beethovenen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-bbc-proms-beethoven-macmillan-national-orchestra-wales-zhang-july-2017Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngAaron Davieshttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/22506https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/22506https://bachtrack.com/files/48719-ad-profile.jpgA lifelong aficionado of classical music in all its various guises, Aaron spent his formative years studying musical composition whilst playing a number of instruments. Today, his day job involves running an international technology business. He derives particular pleasure from expanding his “virtual” music library via the use of online streaming services. If pressed to compile a desert island disc, he would most likely select works from the catalogues of Beethoven, Schumann, Rachmaninov and Gershwin.https://bachtrack.com/files/65025-prom-21-cr-bbc-chris-christodoulou--1.jpg510340Xian Zhang at the podiumChris Christodoulou2017-Jul-30, Royal Albert Hall: Prom 21https://bachtrack.com/concert-listing/royal-albert-hall/prom-21/30-july-2017/19-002017-07-302017-07-30Royal Albert HallLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomSW7 2APKensington Gore51.5014299260821-0.17751932144165https://bachtrack.com/files/78814-artwork-for-events--1-.jpg2

2017Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2017-06-20UTC08:12:53+00:002017-06-19Leonard Elschenbroich joined with the 12 ensemble for an evening dedicated to the Suite italienne, a stroll through time though with a focus on contemporary composers.Cello unwrapped: from Baroque'n'roll to contemporary at Kings Placeen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-elschenbroich-12-ensemble-cello-unwrapped-kings-place-june-2017Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngMarthe Lissonhttps://bachtrack.com/files/51423-leonard-elschenbroich-c-felix-broede-resized.jpg300450Leonard ElschenbroichFelix Broede2017-Jun-17, Kings Place: Hall One: Leonard Elschenbroich with 12 ensemble: Suite Italiennehttps://bachtrack.com/concert-listing/kings-place-hall-one/leonard-elschenbroich-with-12-ensemble-suite-italienne/17-june-2017/19-302017-06-172017-06-17Kings Place: Hall OneLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomN1 9AG90 York Way51.534911038671-0.1221156120300293https://bachtrack.com/files/42567-l-elschenbroich-c-felix-broede-bt.png3

2017Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2017-03-27UTC11:11:38+00:002017-03-27MacMillan’s Stabat Mater receives its Scottish première with The Sixteen and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra under Harry Christophers.A modern masterpiece: Scottish première of MacMillan’s Stabat Materen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-macmillan-stabat-mater-sixteen-glasgow-march-2017Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngDavid Smythehttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/994https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/994https://bachtrack.com/files/40601-david-smythe.jpgDavid the farmer was drawn into music through choirs, orchestras, taking part in and directing 'serious' opera as a student. Passionate about live classical music, particularly chamber opera, unusual pieces and events and giving the next generation the tools to engage with the classical world.https://bachtrack.com/files/56624-james-macmillan-1--a-hans-van-der-woerd-resized.jpg510340Sir James MacMillanHans van der Woerd2017-Mar-24, City Halls: Concert Hall: Macmillan's Stabat materhttps://bachtrack.com/concert-listing/city-halls-concert-hall/macmillans-stabat-mater/24-march-2017/19-302017-03-242017-03-24City Halls: Concert HallGlasgowScotlandUnited KingdomG1 1NQCandleriggs55.858550792775-4.24494981765747https://bachtrack.com/files/65399-sco-logo.jpg5

BBCSSO and Richard Farnes’s special chemistry in a night of British music. Thoughtful Butterworth and noble Elgar and Lawrence Power joined the forces for a wonderfully spirited performance of Macmillan’s Viola Concerto.

2017Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2017-03-13UTC11:48:29+00:002017-03-12BBCSSO and Richard Farnes’s special chemistry in a night of British music. Thoughtful Butterworth and noble Elgar and Lawrence Power joined the forces for a wonderfully spirited performance of Macmillan’s Viola Concerto.Thoughtful, inspiring and noble: British music from the BBCSSO and Richard Farnesen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-farnes-power-bbc-scottish-perth-march-2017Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngDavid Smythehttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/994https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/994https://bachtrack.com/files/40601-david-smythe.jpgDavid the farmer was drawn into music through choirs, orchestras, taking part in and directing 'serious' opera as a student. Passionate about live classical music, particularly chamber opera, unusual pieces and events and giving the next generation the tools to engage with the classical world.https://bachtrack.com/files/55496-richard-farnes-c-jack-liebeck-resized.jpg510340Richard FarnesJack Liebeck2017-Mar-10, Perth Concert Hall (Horsecross): Perth Concert Series: BBC SSOhttps://bachtrack.com/concert-listing/perth-concert-hall-horsecross/perth-concert-series-bbc-sso/10-march-2017/19-302017-03-102017-03-10Perth Concert Hall (Horsecross)PerthScotlandUnited KingdomPH1 5HZ56.3978020371304-3.42949390411377https://bachtrack.com/files/42864-richard-farnes-10-march.jpg4

Britten’s Ceremony of Carols with pieces by Tavener, MacMillan and Lauridsen contrast with Byrd and Dowland in a thoughtful and moving performance of Christmas musical icons from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra Chorus.

2016Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2016-12-19UTC11:11:17+00:002016-12-17Britten’s Ceremony of Carols with pieces by Tavener, MacMillan and Lauridsen contrast with Byrd and Dowland in a thoughtful and moving performance of Christmas musical icons from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra Chorus.Ancient and Modern Christmas icons from the SCO Chorus in Edinburghen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-scottish-chamber-orchestra-chorus-edinburgh-december-2016Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngDavid Smythehttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/994https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/994https://bachtrack.com/files/40601-david-smythe.jpgDavid the farmer was drawn into music through choirs, orchestras, taking part in and directing 'serious' opera as a student. Passionate about live classical music, particularly chamber opera, unusual pieces and events and giving the next generation the tools to engage with the classical world.https://bachtrack.com/files/50452-greyfriars-kirk---carlos-delgado-wiki-resized.jpg510340Greyfriars Kirk, EdinburghCarlos Delgado, Wikicommons2016-Dec-15, Greyfriars Kirk: Music for Christmas: Ceremony of Carolshttps://bachtrack.com/concert-listing/greyfriars-kirk/music-for-christmas-ceremony-of-carols/15-december-2016/19-302016-12-152016-12-15Greyfriars KirkEdinburghScotlandUnited KingdomEH1 2QQGreyfriars Place55.9474276078193-3.19328784942627https://bachtrack.com/files/65399-sco-logo.jpg4

2016Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2016-03-22UTC16:57:03+00:002016-03-21Britten Sinfonia and Voices directed by Eamonn Dougan courageously plumb the depths of humanity’s despair in music ancient and modernStaring into the void: bravery and beauty from Britten Sinfonia and Voicesen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-britten-sinfonia-voices-dougan-birmingham-march-2016Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngSimon Cummingshttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/20145https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/20145https://bachtrack.com/files/67754-simon-cummings.jpgSimon Cummings is a composer, writer and researcher based in the Cotswolds. He composes instrumental and electronic music, exploring aspects of algorithmic composition, and has recently completed a Ph.D. in composition at the Birmingham Conservatoire under the supervision of Richard Causton and Howard Skempton. His musical tastes are ludicrously broad but are focused most on contemporary/avant-garde classical and electronic music. When not composing, he writes regularly about new music; Simon is the author of the contemporary music blog 5:4 (5against4.com), and regularly contributes articles for a variety of books, journals and websites. Follow him on Twitter @5against4.https://bachtrack.com/files/36858-britten_sinfonia_voices_ben_ealovega_resized.jpg300300Britten Sinfonia VoicesBenjamin Ealovega2016-Mar-20, Birmingham Town Hall: BICS 2015/16 Seven Last Words from the Crosshttps://bachtrack.com/concert-listing/birmingham-town-hall/bics-201516-seven-last-words-from-the-cross/20-march-2016/15-002016-03-202016-03-20Birmingham Town HallBirminghamWest MidlandsUnited KingdomB3 3DQ52.479604651795-1.9038105010986328https://bachtrack.com/files/58754-thsh-logo.png5

2016Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2016-03-21UTC11:28:51+00:002016-03-20The heady combination of the Scottish première of James MacMillan’s Little Mass, Nicola Benedetti playing Szymanowski 2 and the drama of Berlioz Symphonie fantistique was an evening to remember.Benedetti, MacMillan and Berlioz: a feast of treats from the RSNOen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-benedetti-oundjian-rsno-edinburgh-march-2016Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngDavid Smythehttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/994https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/994https://bachtrack.com/files/40601-david-smythe.jpgDavid the farmer was drawn into music through choirs, orchestras, taking part in and directing 'serious' opera as a student. Passionate about live classical music, particularly chamber opera, unusual pieces and events and giving the next generation the tools to engage with the classical world.https://bachtrack.com/files/36765-nicola_benedetti_kevin_westenberg_resized.jpg300398Nicola BendettiKevin Westenberg2016-Mar-18, Usher Hall: Oundjian and Benedettihttps://bachtrack.com/concert-listing/usher-hall/oundjian-and-benedetti/18-march-2016/19-302016-03-182016-03-18Usher HallEdinburghScotlandUnited KingdomEH1 2EA55.9471572627242-3.20496082305908https://bachtrack.com/files/44162-rsno-logo.jpg5

2015Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2015-09-02UTC07:47:45+00:002015-08-31Love and Passion provide a vibrant theme for an enterprising choral concert given by the Choir of Royal Holloway. Choir of Royal Holloway stir the emotions at the Presteigne Festivalen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-choir-royal-holloway-presteigne-festival-august-2015Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngDavid Truslovehttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/15755https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/15755https://bachtrack.com/files/61028-david-truslove.jpgDavid Truslove is a choral specialist with extensive singing and conducting experience drawn from 19 years as a lay clerk at Winchester Cathedral and many years as a choral conductor. His portfolio work now includes part-time teaching, church organ playing and writing programme notes. He has music degrees from Cardiff and Southampton universities.https://bachtrack.com/files/27751-choir_royal_holloway.jpg510354Choir of Royal Holloway2015-Aug-29, St Mary’s Parish Church: Choir of Royal Holloway, a capellahttps://bachtrack.com/concert-listing/st-marys-parish-church-1/choir-of-royal-holloway-a-capella/29-august-2015/16-302015-08-292015-08-29St Mary’s Parish ChurchPembridgeWest MidlandsUnited KingdomHR6 9EA 52.216782-2.8945134

2015Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2015-08-04UTC14:26:10+00:002015-08-04Première of MacMillan’s Fourth Symphony is the highlight of BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra’s second Proms outing.Prom 24: MacMillan's birthday gift for Runnicles shines next to fitful Mahleren_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-prom-24-macmillan-runnicles-bbcsso-august-2015Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngPenny Homerhttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/14968https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/14968https://bachtrack.com/files/40597-penny-picture.jpgPenny Homer graduated from the University of Nottingham with a Bachelor of Music degree in 2003, where she was also a choral scholar at St Barnabas Cathedral. She is keenly interested in arts and education, and her work across both includes stints at Akademi South Asian Dance UK and Benslow Music Trust.
Additionally she worked for Edition Peters in their sales department before joining the
Association of British Choral Directors as their Training Manager.
Penny currently sings at Eton Lower Chapel, St Andrews Fulham Fields, Wimbledon Choral
Society, Londinium and Vocal Constructivists, and continues her vocal studies with Ian
Kennedy.https://bachtrack.com/files/26821-donald_runnicles_simon_pauly.jpg510340Donald RunniclesSimon Pauly2015-Aug-03, Royal Albert Hall: Prom 24: James MacMillan & Mahlerhttps://bachtrack.com/concert-listing/royal-albert-hall/prom-24-james-macmillan-mahler/03-august-2015/19-302015-08-032015-08-03Royal Albert HallLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomSW7 2APKensington Gore51.5014299260821-0.17751932144165https://bachtrack.com/files/78814-artwork-for-events--1-.jpg3

Is Allegri's Miserere really the most famous choral work of all time? Harry Christophers and the Sixteen offer a significantly altered version of this work, in a programme otherwise devoted to the religious music of Palestrina and Macmillan.

2015Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2015-03-12UTC11:06:39+00:002015-03-12Is Allegri's Miserere really the most famous choral work of all time? Harry Christophers and the Sixteen offer a significantly altered version of this work, in a programme otherwise devoted to the religious music of Palestrina and Macmillan.Make-over for Allegri’s Miserere from The Sixteen in Sydneyen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-allegri-sixteen-sydney-march-2015Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngDavid Larkinhttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/944https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/944https://bachtrack.com/files/135-dl_photo.jpgDavid is a lecturer at the University of Sydney, specialising in nineteenth-century music. Educated at Dublin and Cambridge, he has published on Richard Strauss, Liszt and Wagner. He gives pre-concert talks for the Sydney Symphony, and sings with a number of chamber choirs.https://bachtrack.com/files/7076-the_sixteen_molina_visuals.jpg620373Harry Christophers and The SixteenMolina Visuals2015-Mar-10, Sydney Opera House: Concert Hall: The Sixteen https://bachtrack.com/concert-listing/sydney-opera-house-concert-hall/the-sixteen/10-march-2015/19-002015-03-102015-03-10Sydney Opera House: Concert HallSydneyNew South WalesAustralia-33.85676716761151.21501564983

2015Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2015-02-09UTC10:07:10+00:002015-02-07Madrigals and Folksongs: the King's Singers entertain and delight in a progromme spanning 400 years with glorious singing. Delectable entertainment: The King's Singers charm Dublinen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-macmillan-kings-singers-dublin-february-2015Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngAndrew Larkinhttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/4766https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/4766https://bachtrack.com/files/164-andrew_larkin.jpgAndrew Larkin is a pianist, composer and teacher from Dublin. Educated at Dublin and at Cambridge, he has performed all around Europe and Mexico. He currently teaches piano and composition in Dublin. https://bachtrack.com/files/8139-kings_singers_axel_nickolaus.jpg620414The King's SingersAxel Nickolaus2015-Feb-05, National Concert Hall: The King's Singers https://bachtrack.com/concert-listing/national-concert-hall/the-kings-singers/05-february-2015/20-002015-02-052015-02-05National Concert HallDublinCounty DublinIreland53.3349605719418-6.258972287178044

2015Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2015-01-26UTC10:45:30+00:002015-01-25James MacMillan has honed his first opera Inés de Castro into an unmissable evening: unspeakably gory but utterly thrilling.Scottish Opera's Inés de Castro: shocking and unmissableen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-ines-de-castro-scottish-macmillan-opera-january-2015Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngDavid Smythehttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/994https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/994https://bachtrack.com/files/40601-david-smythe.jpgDavid the farmer was drawn into music through choirs, orchestras, taking part in and directing 'serious' opera as a student. Passionate about live classical music, particularly chamber opera, unusual pieces and events and giving the next generation the tools to engage with the classical world.https://bachtrack.com/files/7926-ines_de_castro_stephanie_corley_ken_dundas.jpg510294Stephanie Corley (Inés de Castro)Ken Dundas2015-Jan-24, Theatre Royal: Inés de Castrohttps://bachtrack.com/opera-listing/theatre-royal-43/ines-de-castro/24-january-2015/19-152015-01-242015-01-24Theatre RoyalGlasgowScotlandUnited KingdomG2 3QA55.866092-4.2567854

2014Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2014-05-28UTC09:22:03+00:002014-05-27As part of the Muziekgebouw’s 2014 Choral Series, renowned chamber choir The Sixteen gave a passionate, committed performance of music by Palestrina, Allegri, and modern composer James MacMillan. The Queen of Heaven: The Sixteen at the Muziekgebouw, Amsterdamen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-sixteen-amsterdam-may-2014Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngRosemary Carlton-Willishttps://bachtrack.com/files/5437-the_sixteen_group_molinavisuals.jpg510343The Sixteen and Harry ChristophersMolinavisuals2014-May-21, Muziekgebouw aan’t IJ: Main Hall: The Sixteen - The Queen of Heavenhttps://bachtrack.com/concert-listing/muziekgebouw-aant-ij-main-hall/the-sixteen-the-queen-of-heaven/21-may-2014/20-152014-05-212014-05-21Muziekgebouw aan’t IJ: Main HallAmsterdamNorth HollandNetherlands1019 BRPiet Heinkade 152.3782452032234.913415312767https://bachtrack.com/files/74-1195_162011_21_5_13_stu_rosner.jpg4

2014Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2014-04-19UTC13:46:02+00:002014-04-18James MacMillan’s The Death of Oscar receives its American première under Stéphane Denève, while Paul Lewis is the soloist in a thought-provoking account of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto no. 3.A familiar-sounding new commission and an unusual approach to Beethovenen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-deneve-macmillan-lewis-seattle-apr-2014Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngThomas Mayhttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/15715https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/15715https://bachtrack.com/files/40605-thomas-may.jpgThomas May is a writer and translator based in Seattle. His books include Decoding Wagner and The John Adams Reader, and he blogs about the arts at memeteria.com. He has written for The Washington Post, Gramophone, Listen, Symphony magazine, OPERA America, crosscut.com, and many other publications.https://bachtrack.com/files/5002-stephane_deneve_j_henry_fair_official_portrait.jpg275413Stéphane DenèveJ Henry Fair2014-Apr-17, Benaroya Hall, S Mark Taper Auditorium: Seattle Symphonyhttps://bachtrack.com/concert-listing/benaroya-hall-s-mark-taper-auditorium/seattle-symphony/17-april-2014/19-302014-04-172014-04-17Benaroya Hall, S Mark Taper AuditoriumSeattleWashingtonUnited States9810147.6076531499111-122.3369586467743

There is always something special when a piece is performed in the presence of a composer, and even more so when the composer conducts a famous and popular work. James MacMillan conducted the BBCSSO in The Confession of Isobel Gowdie to help celebrate Commonwealth Day in Glasgow.

2014Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2014-03-11UTC16:06:08+00:002014-03-11There is always something special when a piece is performed in the presence of a composer, and even more so when the composer conducts a famous and popular work. James MacMillan conducted the BBCSSO in The Confession of Isobel Gowdie to help celebrate Commonwealth Day in Glasgow. BBCSSO and James MacMillan Celebrate Commonwealth Day with a Blast.en_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-macmillan-gowdie-glasgow-march-2014Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngDavid Smythehttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/994https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/994https://bachtrack.com/files/40601-david-smythe.jpgDavid the farmer was drawn into music through choirs, orchestras, taking part in and directing 'serious' opera as a student. Passionate about live classical music, particularly chamber opera, unusual pieces and events and giving the next generation the tools to engage with the classical world.https://bachtrack.com/files/4565-james_macmillan_hans_van_der_woerd.jpg250368James MacMillanHans van der Woerd2014-Mar-10, City Halls: Concert Hall: Commonwealth Day Concerthttps://bachtrack.com/concert-listing/city-halls-concert-hall/commonwealth-day-concert/10-march-2014/19-302014-03-102014-03-10City Halls: Concert HallGlasgowScotlandUnited KingdomG1 1NQCandleriggs55.858550792775-4.244949817657474

2014Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2014-02-13UTC16:50:25+00:002014-02-13The Edinburgh Quartet in the second of a series of three explorations of James MacMillan's string quartet writing at Edinburgh's Summerhall.Why Is This Night Different? Edinburgh Quartet play James MacMillanen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-feb-2014-edinburgh-quartet-james-macmillanBachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngAlan Coadyhttps://bachtrack.com/files/4300-edinburgh_quartet_192.jpg510350Edinburgh Quartet2014-Feb-12, Summerhall: Edinburgh Quartet: Late Sessionshttps://bachtrack.com/concert-listing/summerhall/edinburgh-quartet-late-sessions/12-february-2014/21-002014-02-122014-02-12SummerhallEdinburghScotlandUnited KingdomEH9 1PL1 Summerhall55.9392847-3.1821419https://bachtrack.com/files/14742-edinburgh_quartet_posed.jpg4

An astonishing performance of Mahler's Sixth Symphony followed the world première of James MacMillan's Viola Concerto, a haunting mixture of the old and the new. Soloist Lawrence Power joined the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Vladimir Jurowski.

2014Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2014-01-22UTC10:08:53+00:002014-01-17An astonishing performance of Mahler's Sixth Symphony followed the world première of James MacMillan's Viola Concerto, a haunting mixture of the old and the new. Soloist Lawrence Power joined the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Vladimir Jurowski.MacMillan's Viola Concerto and Mahler 6 with Jurowski and the LPOen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-jan-2014-lpo-macmillan-violaBachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngJonathan Russellhttps://bachtrack.com/files/4020-lawrence_power_02_credit_jack_liebeck.jpeg253425Lawrence PowerJack Liebeck2014-Jan-15, Royal Festival Hall: LPO: Jurowski conducts Mahlerhttps://bachtrack.com/concert-listing/royal-festival-hall/lpo-jurowski-conducts-mahler/15-january-2014/19-302014-01-152014-01-15Southbank Centre: Royal Festival HallLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomSE1 8XXBelvedere Road51.505687-0.11683700000003228https://bachtrack.com/files/39528-southbank-centre-2016-17-season-image-240-x-240.jpg4

2014Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2014-01-13UTC14:45:41+00:002014-01-13James MacMillan conducted two rediscovered early orchestral works for the first time with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra at City Hall, Glasgow.MacMillan conducts new and revisited MacMillan with the BBC SSOen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-jan-2014-bbc-sso-macmillanBachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngDavid Smythehttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/994https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/994https://bachtrack.com/files/40601-david-smythe.jpgDavid the farmer was drawn into music through choirs, orchestras, taking part in and directing 'serious' opera as a student. Passionate about live classical music, particularly chamber opera, unusual pieces and events and giving the next generation the tools to engage with the classical world.https://bachtrack.com/files/3997-james_macmillan_conducting.jpg510321James MacMillanHans van der Woerd2014-Jan-11, City Halls: Concert Hall: Hear and Now: MacMillan conducts MacMillanhttps://bachtrack.com/concert-listing/city-halls-concert-hall/hear-and-now-macmillan-conducts-macmillan/11-january-2014/20-002014-01-112014-01-11City Halls: Concert HallGlasgowScotlandUnited KingdomG1 1NQCandleriggs55.858550792775-4.244949817657474

As part of the last full weekend of Southbank Centre's The Rest is Noise festival, Vladimir Jurowski and the London Philharmonic Orchestra presented a programme of British orchestral music from the 1990s.

2013Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2013-12-10UTC15:21:31+00:002013-12-10As part of the last full weekend of Southbank Centre's The Rest is Noise festival, Vladimir Jurowski and the London Philharmonic Orchestra presented a programme of British orchestral music from the 1990s.The LPO and Jurowski perform British composers of the 1990sen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-dec-2013-rest-is-noise-lpo-britishBachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngRenée Reitsmahttps://bachtrack.com/files/3501-james_macmillan.jpg480480James MacMillanPhilip Gatward2013-Dec-07, Royal Festival Hall: LPO: Evelyn Glennie plays MacMillanhttps://bachtrack.com/concert-listing/royal-festival-hall/lpo-evelyn-glennie-plays-macmillan/07-december-2013/19-302013-12-072013-12-07Southbank Centre: Royal Festival HallLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomSE1 8XXBelvedere Road51.505687-0.11683700000003228https://bachtrack.com/files/39528-southbank-centre-2016-17-season-image-240-x-240.jpg3

2013Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2013-11-29UTC13:14:57+00:002013-11-28Alan Coady reviews the first of this season's Edinburgh Quartet Late Sessions, featuring music by James MacMillan at Edinburgh's SummerhallEdinburgh Quartet play music by James MacMillanen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-nov-2013-edinburgh-quartet-macmillanBachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngAlan Coadyhttps://bachtrack.com/files/1285-macmillan_1.jpg4004002013-Nov-27, Summerhall: Edinburgh Quartet: Late Sessionshttps://bachtrack.com/concert-listing/summerhall/edinburgh-quartet-late-sessions/27-november-2013/21-002013-11-272013-11-27SummerhallEdinburghScotlandUnited KingdomEH9 1PL1 Summerhall55.9392847-3.1821419https://bachtrack.com/files/14742-edinburgh_quartet_posed.jpg4

If there were a Nobel Prize for violin, I would nominate James Ehnes. His playing of Britten’s Violin Concerto with the Toronto Symphony was drenched with emotions – pathos, irony, lamentation, sarcasm, tenderness and bliss – displayed and at the same time bounded by the discipline of his virtuosity, that like a diamond, radiated brilliance without attracting attention to itself.

José Mateo Ballet Theatre opens its 28th season with Shadows Fleeting. Performed in the company’s Sanctuary Theatre, the stunningly converted Old Cambridge Baptist Church in Harvard Square, the program showcases selections of founder and artistic director José Mateo’s last decade of work, including two company classics and the première of his newest ballet, Vanished Verses.

The adjective in the title of Britten’s 1934 Simple Symphony could refer to the ease with which listeners can spot each movement’s two contrasting themes. Attentive, lively use of tempo, dynamics, phrasing, colour enabled Peter Oundjian and the RSNO to make the most of young Britten’s diversity within impressive compositional unity.

The BBC Proms 2013 began with some of the best of English composers. Tonight for Prom 28 it was the turn of some of Scotland’s finest, as Donald Runnicles conducted the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra in a performance of James MacMillan’s Violin Concerto. There were plenty of old favourites from Beethoven and Strauss Jr.

2013Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2013-11-07UTC16:44:35+00:002013-05-20Jane Shuttleworth reviews Northern Sinfonia's performance of of MacMillan's Seven Last Words from the Cross, Mahler's Blumine and Shostakovich's Symphony no. 9.Agony and ecstasy from Northern Sinfoniaen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-northern-sinfonia-macmillan-seven-last-wordsBachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngJane Shuttleworthhttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/2331https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/2331https://bachtrack.com/files/40598-jane-bachtrack.jpgJane Shuttleworth is a choral singer and recorder player, and specialises in Renaissance, baroque and modern music. She lives in Durham and runs a local music listings, news and reviews site Music in Durhamhttps://bachtrack.com/files/2641-nicholas_collon_credit_benjamin_ealovega.jpg400400 Benjamin Ealovega2013-May-17, Sage One: Seven Last Wordshttps://bachtrack.com/listing-northern-sinfonia-macmillan-seven-last-words2013-05-172013-05-17Sage Gateshead: Sage OneGatesheadNorth-EastUnited KingdomNE8 2JRSt Mary's Square,Gateshead Quays54.967760876632-1.60194396972656254

The programme notes for The Sixteen’s 2013 Choral Pilgrimage draw attention to how composers have been inspired by the grandeur and beauty of their places of worship and work. In this context, the setting for The Sixteen’s concert in Oxford was more than suitable. Completed in 1200, Christ Church Cathedral is a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.

“Please silence all electronic devices and refrain from talking. This evening’s program will be presented without intermission or breaks for applause. It is our hope that this structure will assist in providing a meaningful experience...

Conductor H.K. Gruber’s visits to the BBC Philharmonic are guaranteed to be unmissable concerts of the season; with unquenchable enthusiasm and pride in the music he programmes, Gruber, (known affectionately to all as “Nali”), always assures a stirring performance.

Choral concerts often have programmes that read like compilation CDs. I don’t mean this negatively: there are countless reasons why a greater number of contrasting pieces is required – timbral, textual, temporal, contextual, historical, and so on.

In James MacMillan’s Clemency, three strangers visit Abraham and Sarah. The aging couple make them welcome and receive the news that Sarah will bear a son – to Sarah’s disbelief. They appear to be angels, coming to bless the couple. But as the travelers prepare to leave, they reveal that their next stop is one of condemnation.

Written for oboist Nicholas Daniel and first performed in Birmingham in 2010, there was excitement and anticipation in Perth for James MacMillan’s Oboe Concerto receiving its Scottish première.The Scottish Chamber Orchestra with soloist François Leleux gave a virtuosic performance of this thought-provoking work, conducted by Thierry Fischer.

2013Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2013-11-07UTC16:38:06+00:002013-02-01Scottish premiere of MacMillan's Oboe Concerto with Scottish Chamber Orchestra in Perth.Scottish première of James MacMillan's Oboe Concerto with the SCOen_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-perth-horsecross-sco-macmillan-leleux-fischerBachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngDavid Smythehttps://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/994https://bachtrack.com/22/270/list-published/994https://bachtrack.com/files/40601-david-smythe.jpgDavid the farmer was drawn into music through choirs, orchestras, taking part in and directing 'serious' opera as a student. Passionate about live classical music, particularly chamber opera, unusual pieces and events and giving the next generation the tools to engage with the classical world.https://bachtrack.com/files/2187-1_francois_leleux_credit_uwe_arens_for_sony_classical.jpg400400François Leleux Uwe Arens for Sony Classical2013-Jan-30, Perth Concert Hall (Horsecross): MacMillan Oboe Concertohttps://bachtrack.com/listing-perth-horsecross-sco-macmillan-leleux-fischer2013-01-302013-01-30Perth Concert Hall (Horsecross)PerthScotlandUnited KingdomPH1 5HZ56.3978020371304-3.429493904113774

From the altar of their customary home in Edinburgh’s 1691 Canongate Kirk, Calton Consort presented an a cappella concert enigmatically entitled “Translated Daughters”. The enigma dissolved upon hearing W.H. Auden’s text for Britten’s Hymn to St Cecilia. It features the arresting couplet: “Translated Daughter, come down and startle / Composing mortals with immortal fire.

Pleasantly enough, Britten Sinfonia went down a thoroughly unconventional route in celebrating their 20th birthday at the Barbican on Saturday, with a brilliantly varied range of new pieces mixing with chamber orchestra classics.

The Kings Place programme booklet for Since it was the Day of Preparation… folds like a thin papery triptych. Yet, the composer’s photograph does not occupy the central panel. Indeed, gushing verbal bombast, a feature all too common in performances of new music, was pleasantly absent.

2012Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2013-11-07UTC16:32:03+00:002012-10-04Ninfea Cruttwell-Reade reviews the London premiere of James MacMillan's Since it was the Day of Preparation... at Kings PlaceLondon première of James MacMillan's Since it was the Day of Preparation...en_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-kings-place-macmillan-since-it-was-the-day-of-preparationBachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngNinfea Cruttwell-Readehttps://bachtrack.com/files/1285-macmillan_1.jpg400400James MacMillan Philip Gatward2012-Sep-29, Kings Place: Hall One: Hebrides Ensemblehttps://bachtrack.com/concert-listing/kings-place-hall-one/hebrides-ensemble/29-september-2012/19-302012-09-292012-09-29Kings Place: Hall OneLondonGreater LondonUnited KingdomN1 9AG90 York Way51.534911038671-0.12211561203002934

The position of Composer in Residence at the Grafenegg festival may as well be called Composer-Conductor in Residence, as the appointments of Tan Dun, HK Gruber, and now James MacMillan have established a tradition whereby the lucky candidates are not only required to be intimately involved with the programming and preparation of their music, but also to stand in front of an orchestra and lead the

In the spare modern elegance of Hall One at Kings Place, choral octet Platinum Consort, under the direction of their founder and conductor Scott Inglis-Kidger, gave an impressive and impeccably presented performance of works from their critically acclaimed recording In the Dark, written for, or inspired by, the Tenebrae tradition.

At one extreme of musical preparation, early music specialists rely on research to ensure authentic performance of music by composers long dead. At the other, composers writing today might well be acquainted with the performers and consult them on the technical possibility of some passages and attend rehearsals.

2012Bachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.png2013-11-07UTC16:30:18+00:002012-10-02Alan Coady reviews the Hebrides Ensemble and Synergy Vocals' World Première of James MacMillan's 'Since it was the day of Preparation...'World première of James MacMillan's Since it was the Day of Preparation...en_GBtruehttps://bachtrack.com/review-edinburgh-international-festival-2012-hebrides-ensemble-james-macmillanBachtrack Ltdhttps://bachtrack.com/themes/bachtrack2013/mastheadlogo.pngAlan Coadyhttps://bachtrack.com/files/1619-macmillan2_philipgatward.jpg399400James MacMillan Philip Gatward2012-Aug-22, Greyfriars Kirk: Hebrides Ensemble and Synergy Vocalshttps://bachtrack.com/concert-listing/greyfriars-kirk/hebrides-ensemble-and-synergy-vocals/22-august-2012/17-452012-08-222012-08-22Greyfriars KirkEdinburghScotlandUnited KingdomEH1 2QQGreyfriars Place55.9474276078193-3.19328784942627https://bachtrack.com/files/11755-hebridesensemble07eif2012.jpg5

I would say a little over three quarters of the seats in the Royal Albert Hall were full for Prom 33, featuring Juanjo Mena, the BBC Philharmonic and several northern choirs, and that whilst I’ve seen the arena busier than it was, it was still fairly tightly packed.

The Sixteen’s three appearances in the line-up for this year’s Spitalfields Music Festival showcase the breadth of their repertoire. On June 15 and 16, they will premiere Alan Roth’s new musical setting of Beckett monologues, Old Earth. First, on June 9, was something altogether more familiar.

In this, the last of his farewell programmes, Stéphane Denève bade au revoir to Edinburgh in front of an audience of the great and the good, containing ambassadors, diplomats and ministers as well as all his Edinburgh fans. There were speeches, presentations and more than a touch of the Hollywood Academy Awards Ceremony. “But what about the music?” I hear you ask.